COMPLETING a marathon is a tough call for even the keenest of fitness fanatics.

But Barrow fireman Paul Milburn is set to make the challenge even more difficult - by running 26.4 gruelling miles in his full firefighting kit, complete with breathing apparatus and helmet.

The ultra fit Ironman competitor, who is the Cumbria Fire Service watch manager for five stations, will line up at the start of next year's London Marathon in his unlikely running clothes to help raise as much money as possible for The Fire Fighter's Charity, a cause close to his heart.

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With his uniform and kit weighing around four stones in total - the equivalent of a large fully packed suitcase - the 42-year-old is hoping for cool, dry weather on the day as he runs through the streets of the capital on one of the most famous marathon courses in the world.

The married father of two said: "I've run a few marathons before, but this will be extremely difficult because of the extra weight and how restrictive the kit is.

"But The Fire Fighter's Charity is an charity that helps so many firefighters and their families and I want to do everything I can to raise money for it.

"I thought this would be a bit different and would help raise as much as possible for such a good cause."

Mr Milburn, known as Tigger to his friends, is now set to embark upon a tough training regime to get him up to peak fitness for the marathon while he also acclimatises to the carrying the extra weight.

He has already raised close to £600 towards his £2,000 target after announcing his intention to run the London Marathon dressed as a fireman.

Mr Milburn also intends to dedicate the challenge to his friend, the late Millom fireman Glyn Robinson, who died earlier this month, aged 45.

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"Hopefully I'll be able to raise well above the target," Mr Milburn added.

"I also want to dedicate the challenge to Glyn. I thought it would be a poignant way to keep his memory going and for his family."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Milburn can do so through his Just Giving page, at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Milburn1

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